Pregnancy and Diabetes: New Insights on Autoantibody Testing, OGTT, and Genetic Diagnosis with Dr. Tadeh Vartanian | MaternalRx

In this episode of the MaternalRX podcast on the Pharmacy Podcast Network, Danielle sits down with Dr. Tadeh Vartanian, a Pharmacist and Medical Lead with deep expertise in autoimmune diabetes. Drawing on years of clinical practice and research, Dr. Vartanian explains why early detection and precise diabetes classification can dramatically shift outcomes for people who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or managing complex metabolic risks.
This conversation delivers a practical, up-to-date overview of diabetes types, maternal risk considerations, screening strategies, and the emerging science behind autoimmune and genetic diabetes. And if you have never heard of monogenic diabetes, you will want to hear this episode! Understanding this category can immediately change how clinicians diagnose and treat patients.

Diabetes types explained
- How to differentiate type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and monogenic diabetes
- Why type 1 is autoimmune and what loss of 80 to 90 percent of beta cells means for patient management
- The phases of type 1 diabetes and the predictive power of autoantibodies
- How monogenic diabetes presents differently and when to consider genetic testing
- Which diabetes types can improve with targeted lifestyle interventions

Diabetes screening and diagnostic testing
- Why early screening is the most impactful action clinicians can take
- When to use hemoglobin A1C, fasting glucose, and the oral glucose tolerance test
- A clear explanation of the 50-gram and 100-gram Glucola tests used in gestational diabetes screening and diagnosis
- How to identify autoimmune diabetes using autoantibody testing

Autoantibody screening programs
- TrialNet: the NIDDK-supported program offering at-home screening for people with a first-degree relative with type 1 diabetes
- ASK (Autoimmunity Screening for Kids): now expanded to adults, with nationwide access through the University of Colorado laboratory
- How these programs detect autoimmune diabetes before symptoms develop

Genetics, autoimmunity, and diabetes research
- How new genetic testing is reshaping the identification of monogenic diabetes
- What autoimmune activity means in type 1 diabetes and why early detection matters
- Current research, evolving guidelines, and clinical trial insights relevant to maternal health and diabetes care

Diabetes and pregnancy
- How diabetes influences pregnancy outcomes and why classification accuracy is critical
- The long-term significance of gestational diabetes and its link to future type 2 diabetes
- Clinical considerations for preconception counseling, prenatal care, and postpartum metabolic health
- How maternal diabetes affects the long-term health trajectory of both parent and child

Key takeaway from Dr. Vartanian: Screen early and use the right tools. Identifying diabetes risk before symptoms appear can change the course of care at every stage of pregnancy.

Connect with our guest and host:
- Dr. Tadeh Vartanian: www.linkedin.com/in/tadehvartanian/
- Dr. Danielle Plummer: www.linkedin.com/in/daniellerplummer/